Finding good mentors and business advice

More often than not the advice that business owners receive from family and friends tend to be well-meaning opinions. However, good business advice from commercial experience is an entirely different matter.
We’re not saying that it’s impossible, but finding a source of reliable, honest and useful information you can trust is difficult —especially if you have specific problems to solve and limited time to do so.
This is why, for good times and bad, developing a network of peers or seeking out a business mentor can be a great idea to maximise your chances of business success.

Networking

Business owners shouldn’t feel they need to handle operations by themselves. Developing a network of peers and colleagues is a good way to keep yourself informed about new developments. Plus, you’ll have a great resource to access when you need input and advice.

Your local chamber of commerce

Your local chamber of commerce is likely to be a useful resource. They’ll keep you in touch with industry bodies and refer you to people who will be able to give you professional advice. In addition, they have the information and resources to help you deal with the issues you’re facing.

Attending meetings and events is also a good way to brush up on skills plus you’ll get to meet and network with other business people operating in your area. Your local chambers can be found online through the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Your industry body

Most industry sectors have some sort of organisation representing the collective interests of businesses operating in the sector; some will have more than one. They provide industry-specific advice and make it easier for you to connect with other people in your line of business for advice and help.

These sources can also refer you to other reputable professionals who can assist you and hold regular meetings where you can meet and get to know other small business owners.

Once you’ve met or made contact with a business peer or business professional, swap business cards and keep their details on file. While you can do this manually, it would be more effective to include their details in your contacts using various apps. It’s also advisable to connect with them through other platforms, like the business-focused LinkedIn or even Twitter.

If you keep people’s contact details, you can give them a call whenever you need assistance. Even if they can’t directly help you, they might be able to suggest someone who can.

LinkedIn is a great networking resource for business people. There are a number of online groups you can join where you can ask relevant questions and get good advice. If you can’t find a forum to suit your needs, there’s no need to panic – you can just create your own.

Business mentors

If you’re not looking for business advice on a particular problem but are more interested in long-term advice to help you grow and develop your business, you should consider getting a business mentor.

Mentors act as an experienced sounding board for ideas and help you come up with long-term strategies. Your mentors can also assess your business from an independent but supportive point of view, and even connect you with others from their own business networks.

To assist you in developing your business plan, download our free guide “Preparing A Business Plan”

At Omnis Group, we aim to provide you with all the help you will need in business planning and management. Our friendly team of business advisers and accountants will be with you every step of the way; if you need support and advice, call us today at 9380 3555 and we can catch up for a free no-obligation coffee and see how we can assist you.